Goldbacher grew up outside London in the Hampstead Garden Suburb, the daughter of a Jewish father, a fruit importer, and a Protestant mother, who was a native of the Isle of Skye. Her mother converted to Judaism when Goldbacher was 1 year old. Goldbacher grew up as a reform Jew.
Goldbacher graduated Sussex University as a French Literature major.
She said she encountered some anti-semitism growing up. She then did a year-long course studying film and video at Middlesex University. Goldbacher got her start directing commercials for The Observer, Philips, Evian, Wella, Johnny Walker and Baileys.
She also directed documentaries for the British Broadcasting Corporation series Building Sights and two documentaries on boxing for Channel Four.
Directing
In 2001, Goldbahcer released her second film, Maine Without You, which starred Anna Friel and Michelle Williams. The movie had been in development before The Governess, but funding came earlier for the other film.
Maine Without You explores the "over-intense" relationship between two teenage girls. The film was loosely based upon a childhood friendship she had when she was younger.
Both films feature Jewish characters and themes.
In 2007, Goldbacher directed the television film Ballet Shoes for British Broadcasting Corporation One. The film starred Emma Watson. In 2012, Goldbacher directed two episodes of the second season of The Hour, which starred Dominic West.
